Multi-Stage Fitness Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

The test, also known as the "Bleep Test", Beep Test" and the "Yo-Yo Test", was developed by Leger, L.A. & Lambert, J. (1982).

Objective

The objective of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) is to monitor the development of the athlete's maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max).

This test is very good for games players as it is specific to the nature of the sport but, due to the short turns, is perhaps not suitable for rowers, runners or cyclists.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require :

• A flat, non slippery surface at least 20 metres in length
• 30 metre tape measure
• Marking cones
• The Multi-Stage Fitness Test audio tape or CD**
• Tape recorder or CD Player
• Recording sheets
• Assistant

**A copy of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test can be purchased from Coachwise 1st4Sport.

How to conduct the test

The test is made up of 23 levels where each level lasts approximately one minute. Each level comprises of a series of 20m shuttles where the starting speed is 8.5km/hr and increases by 0.5km/hr at each level. On the tape/CD a single beep indicates the end of a shuttle and 3 beeps indicates the start of the next level. The test is conducted as follows:

• Measure out a 20 metres section and mark each end with a marker cone
• The athlete carries out a warm up program of jogging and dynamic stretching exercises
• The test is conducted
  • The athlete must place one foot on or beyond the 20m marker at the end of each shuttle
  • If the athlete arrives at the end of a shuttle before the beep, the athlete must wait for the beep and then resume running
  • The athlete keeps running for as long as possible until he/she can longer keep up with the speed set by the tape/CD at which point they should voluntarily withdraw
  • If the athlete fails to reach the end of the shuttle before the beep they should be allowed 2 or 3 further shuttles to attempt to regain the required pace before being withdrawn
  • Record the level and number of shuttles completed at that level by the athlete
  • At the end of the test the athletes conduct a cool down program, including static stretching exercises

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

For an analysis of your VO2 max score see the VO2 max normative data tables.

Normative data for MSFT

Male

Female

The following are national team scores for the MSFT

Table Reference: Beashel P. et al; The world of sport examined; 1997

General Notes

Health

A degree of caution is required in administering the test, in that you have to push yourself relatively hard to the point where you can no longer maintain the pace dictated by the tape/CD. If you are suffering from any injury or illness, or if you have any reason to think you may not be in a good general state of health, you should consult a doctor before doing this test.

Audio Tape

As the audio-tapes may stretch over time, the tapes need to be calibrated which involves timing a one-minute interval and making adjustment to the distance between markers. The recording is also available on compact disc, which does not require calibration.

Time

Knowing that the starting speed is 8.5km/hr and increases by 0.5km/hr at each level then the time for each 20 metre section, at each level, can be estimated from the following equation:

• 20m Time = 72 ÷ ( ( ( Level - 1 ) × 0.5 ) + 8.5 )

e.g. the time for 20m at level 11 is 5.33 seconds.

Shuttles

Knowing that the starting speed is 8.5km/hr and increases by 0.5km/hr at each level and the duration of each level is approximately one minute then the number of shuttles at each level, can be estimated from the following equation:

• Shuttles = ( ( ( Level - 1 ) × 0.5 ) + 8.5 ) × 0.838

The result is rounded up to the nearest whole number e.g. the number of shuttles at level 17 is 13.82 which is rounded up to 14 shuttles.

Target Group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports (e.g. football, rugby) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development. There are published VO2max score equivalents for each level reached and the correlation to actual VO2max is high. For an assessment of your Vo2 max see the VO2max normative data tables.

Free Calculator

• MultiStage Fitness Test Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer. The spreadsheet will be loaded into a new window.

Facts and Figures

Information on the number of laps, distances, times, speed and VO2 max are provided for each shuttle in this linked pdf file. The file will be loaded into a new window.

Related Research Papers

Leger, L.A. & Lambert, J. (1982) "A maximal multistage 20m shuttle run test to predict VO2 max", European Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 49, p1-5

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Evaluation and Performance Tests
• Performance Evaluation - Articles